Greyhound Friends executive director resigns from board

HOPKINTON – Louise Coleman, executive director of Greyhound Friends Inc., has resigned from the board amid an animal cruelty case and several state and local investigations.

Coleman is also taking a leave from her position as executive director. Theresa Shepard, a longtime employee, has been promoted to kennel and operations manager to handle day-to-day work and relationships with regulatory bodies, said Stoddard Melhado, Greyhound Friends board president, in a release sent Friday afternoon.

"Ms. Coleman requested the leave in order to step away and give the organization an opportunity to determine the best path forward without being a distraction to the important work of rescuing dogs that Greyhound Friends has done for nearly 34 years," said Melhado.

The board continues to support Coleman in the animal cruelty case brought on in Framingham District Court, Melhado said

"At no time was any animal in the organization’s custody given anything less than the care and love that they deserve," he said. "Every dog that Greyhound Friends cared for had food, warmth, grooming, medication when needed, and a good chance at a new life through adoption."

The organization first ran into trouble in early February when the state issued a cease and desist order and the town suspended its kennel license, citing needed improvements. The Division of Animal Health had looked into the shelter after complaints received in 2015 and 2016 detailing overcrowding and dogs spending too much time in kennels too small.

In early March, Melhado promised that the kennel would update its crates, draft written protocols and hire a compliance officer.

Several days later, Coleman was charged with animal cruelty, after an investigation revealed unsanitary conditions, according to police. The Hopkinton Police Department, Hopkinton Animal Control, the Middlesex District Attorney's Office and the state Department of Agricultural Resources investigated Coleman.

Many in the community have rallied to Coleman's defense. Some say the charges are unfounded and others say that greyhounds, as a breed, are treated poorly and that the work of the shelter is vital.

"They've done a lot of good work, there's tens of thousands of dogs who have been placed there," said Kate Savage, a Dedham resident who has adopted dogs from Greyhound Friends in the past.

Savage was one of dozens to write the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen about Greyhound Friends and the investigation. Some of the letters are in support but others detail unsanitary conditions.

Selectmen have promised to consider supporters and critics of the shelter. Selectman Chairman Ben Herr said the board will aim to be fair and reasonable to all sides as investigations continue.

Coleman's arraignment on the animal cruelty charge is scheduled for March 29.

Bill Shaner can be reached at 508-626-3957 or at wshaner@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @Bill_Shaner.